Tottenham Hotspur have already completed three signings this summer, but Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild could be about to become even more expensive.
The Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy already appear to be making good on their promise to back Roberto De Zerbi this summer, having announced three new arrivals just days after the transfer window opened.
Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi both arrived on free transfers before Spurs completed a £52m move for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. It represents a major shift in approach from a club that has often been accused of leaving its business until the final weeks of the window.
The consequences of failing to strengthen key areas sufficiently have been clear over the last two seasons, with Tottenham finishing 17th in back-to-back campaigns. De Zerbi has already admitted that the squad needs significant rebuilding work, and the names currently being linked with the club suggest Spurs are preparing to spend heavily.
In fact, there is a realistic scenario where Tottenham commit around £225m on just three more signings before the ongoing World Cup even reaches its conclusion.
Tottenham could spend £175m on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes
When reports first emerged that Tottenham were planning on doing something ‘important’ in their midfield this summer, few expected Sandro Tonali to become one of the club’s primary targets.
The Newcastle United midfielder is believed to be open to working under De Zerbi and positive talks have already taken place between Tottenham and the player’s representatives. Spurs also made their first move this week, seeing a £75m bid rejected after Newcastle reiterated their desire for a fee closer to £100m.
With Manchester City and Arsenal both monitoring the situation, competition remains fierce. However, Tottenham are currently viewed as one of the leading contenders and are expected to return with an improved offer.
Alongside Tonali, Spurs are also pursuing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. De Zerbi is understood to want both players rather than one or the other, with Fernandes viewed as another key piece in the Italian’s long-term rebuild.
Sources suggest Tottenham are preparing an offer worth around £60m, although West Ham are believed to want a figure closer to £80m.
Manchester United remain firmly in the race, having already advanced discussions and agreed on personal terms with Mateus Fernandes; something Spurs still haven’t, while the opportunity to play alongside Bruno Fernandes and compete in the Champions League could prove attractive.
Savinho or Crysencio Summerville could complete the spending spree
While midfield remains a priority, Tottenham are also expected to strengthen out wide before the window closes.
Manchester City’s Savinho is a player Spurs have admired for some time and discussions have continued into the summer. The Brazilian is understood to be open to joining Tottenham and Fabrizio Romano has already described the move as a genuine possibility.
The main obstacle remains the agreement between the two clubs. Manchester City value Savinho at around £60m and are believed to be waiting until they complete business of their own before making a final decision on his future.
Another name firmly back on Tottenham’s radar is Crysencio Summerville. Spurs explored a move for the Dutch winger previously and have now reignited their interest after making contact with West Ham.
Summerville has enhanced his reputation further with an impressive World Cup campaign, already registering three goal contributions in his first two matches. West Ham are believed to value the winger at around £50m, while Manchester United, along with a number of other European clubs, are also monitoring his situation.
Whether Tottenham choose Savinho or Summerville, it is clear that significant investment remains on the horizon. If Spurs were to land Tonali, Fernandes and one of those two wingers, De Zerbi’s rebuild would quickly become one of the most expensive transfer drives in the club’s history.